Portal vein thrombosis in cats: 6 cases (2001-2006)

Abstract

Background: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in cats is sparsely reported.

Purpose of study: To evaluate the clinical signs and diseases associated with PVT in cats.

Animals: 6 client-owned cats.

Methods: Medical records for cats with a portal vein thrombus diagnosed on abdominal ultrasound or at necropsy were reviewed. Signalment, historical data, underlying disorders, clinical findings, clinicopathologic and histopathologic data, diagnostic imaging findings, treatment, and outcome were recorded.

Results: All 6 cats identified with PVT also had hepatic disease. Evidence of a congenital portosystemic shunt was present in 3/6 cats. Two cats had primary or metastatic hepatic neoplasia. One cat had acute cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, and locally extensive acute centrilobular hepatic necrosis. Two cats were suspected to have acute thrombi and 4 cats had chronic thrombi.

Conclusion and clinical significance: PVT might be an important concurrent finding in cats with hepatic disease.